Police in Tana River have arrested a 34-year-old woman for allegedly burning the private parts of her six-year-old cousin as a punishment for bedwetting.

The suspect, Zawadi Mlewa, allegedly committed the offence on March 23rd when she was left to look after the minor by her mother, Bahati John.

Police say that the boy has been living with her aunt, Bahati, since his mother, Lina John, departed for work in Saudi Arabia.

"Zawadi Mlewa burnt his private parts using burning papers for wetting his bed. He sustained burns on the base of his penis," a police report on the incident reads.

"The suspect later escorted the child to Tarasaa Catholic Dispensary where he was treated and discharged."  

The suspect was arrested after the matter was reported to the police.

"The victim was escorted to NGAO Sub-County Hospital for further medical check-up, P3 filled and discharged," said police.

She remains in custody pending arraignment.